Lisandro Lopez joins Inter Milan on loan from Benfica; targets UCL

Inter Milan have signed defender Lisandro Lopez on loan from Benfica, with an option for a permanent transfer in the summer.

Lopez, 28, underwent a medical on Monday night, after a first training session at Inter's Pinetina training centre, and is likely to make his debut on Sunday against Roma, though he will be probably start from the bench and come in as a substitute.

After completing his move, he told Inter TV it was a dream and spoke of his desire to help the Nerazzurri qualify for the Champions League.

He said: "Playing for a club like Inter, one of the biggest in Europe, means a lot: this is a dream."

"I'm here to give a hand to my new teammates so that we can reach our objectives. Many Argentinian players have played for Inter: I can remember many, but can definitely mention Samuel, Zanetti, Milito, and they have all done brilliantly -- in fact, they all made history -- so I hope I can contribute too.

"For me the Italian league is one of the best in the world, and for this reason I've been following the Serie A for a long time; it's a highly technical, competitive league, so I will try and give my best and learn something new every day.

"I was lucky enough to play in the Champions League with Benfica, and I'm here to help Inter qualify."

Lopez will wear the No. 2 shirt, adding: "It's a number that has been accompanying me for many years, and I was lucky that no one was using it here so I could choose it."

Acquiring a central defender was Inter's most urgent priority during the January transfer window with coach Luciano Spalletti joking last week that even his 80-year-old mother knew Inter needed a new defender, but he credited the club's quickness for Lopez's arrival.

"I'm very happy with Lisandro's arrival," he said. "This to me confirms that our directors are brilliant, always ready, and are particularly good at anticipating the opposition in securing talents."